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Topic: Need occasional help with 1986 GV (Read 729 times) previous topic - next topic

Need occasional help with 1986 GV

We have one of the " older ones" but i still think we can get some technical assistance with this forum.... we read daily the technical, discussions, around the campfire postings and are always amazed at the assistance others are providing...

But with our recent post needing some help with a door handle and the mechanism we are stumped as to no replies of any kind.  It's all about tires, steps, awnings, MPG and more...  we know this door handle is such a simple issue but when you get locked inside because of a door handle that broke off inside the cover plate its more than just trivial.

We were told by Brad yesterday that this door mechanism was used into the 90's so we know there are coaches and early 90's GV's that have the same type..

Maybe we are just whining.... but our almost mint 1986 GV 33 SBI is a gem to own and we intend to seek some DIY help when the need arises.

Thank you for listening.

1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #1 –
I know the feeling. We're on our fifth "last" Foretravel so we have some familiarity with several generations of coaches.  I saw your post but that's something we never dealt with.  I have posted several times myself with no response.  Be assured is has nothing to do with the age of your coach.  We are all excited to see those Grand Villas still on the road. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #2 –
Had the same problem, the fix is simple.  Take it apart, am thinking it's a shear pin issue.
1988  40' Grand Villa Cat 3208t

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Johnstons –
I know the feeling. We're on our fifth "last" Foretravel so we have some familiarity with several generations of coaches.  I saw your post but that's something we never dealt with.  I have posted several times myself with no response.  Be assured is has nothing to do with the age of your coach.  We are all excited to see those Grand Villas still on the road.


Thank you so much... it is frustrating.  We almost relish in the fact we dont have stairs.. we have a manual awning.  A two phase original fridge, the original 454 gas with just 40,000 miles, both furnaces work, all pluming works, interior is original and more...

We hear that the door mechanism came from Winnebago... might troll around the Winnie FB pages and see what comes up... we ordered the replacement part from Brad but they have no knowledge to the install for the levers to work to unlatch.  Thanks you again
1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #4 –
Quote from: NancyS –
Had the same problem, the fix is simple.  Take it apart, am thinking it's a shear pin issue.


 We have taken both sides.. inside and outside apart to reveal inner workings.  We have purchased the last remaining parts from FT ( Brad) but they don't know how to install. 

In left side ( interior cover) there is a half moon pieces with a notched element.  We have NO idea when installed where this notch goes to leverage the interior mechanism arms to open the latch...  the " notched piece" does not fit into any space, does not fit over an arm, we just don't know.
1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #5 –
We know this notch piece fitted to the door handle post will move mechanism inside but we cannot see where this piece goes to make the levers work... 

Putting the handle at horizontal level and reinstalling the screws for the cover plate inside the door... turn handle and nothing happens.  We know this piece must move the mechanism.. but cannot find any space that fits the notch...

1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #6 –
I know it has to be frustrating but it's one of those things that hasn't failed enough times for enough people for there to be much information. You may have to find a megiver type fella to look at that.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #7 –
I was even thinking maybe take the parts to an old school lock smith.  We have one in Lodi that looks to have locks & handles that date many years.  They seem to be handy with any of the crazy projects I have brought them.  Just a thought....

David
David & Jenn
1994 U280 3600

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #8 –
Too late for this project but, I always take many pictures before taking something apart that I haven't done before. Especially wiring and small mechanical devices.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #9 –
 I did mine.  I can pull the cover and take a look.  Not sure that the gap that must slip over something, actually does.    Look at the edge of the cam and look for sweep marks.
  It looked a little Lucas engineered .

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #10 –
What part makes the latch unlatch?  I think that it is the small lever at the bottom of the latch and then the new face plate has the part that goes over that little lever to make it operate. Hope that helps. I will look tomorrow as I think that I have a complete mechanism.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
I did mine.  I can pull the cover and take a look.  Not sure that the gap that must slip over something, actually does.    Look at the edge of the cam and look for sweep marks.
  It looked a little Lucas engineered .


We found the spot.    Amazingly.  The forked notch fits UNDER the tab shown.  But ONLY one of the forks.  Slots in with install of cover plate and turn handle to unlatch door.    Who came up with this idea.  ???
1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #12 –
Did  you add  the keeper screw with large washer,  into the shaft to retain the lever?
 I also added a small pull hook to avoid pulling on the lever.  Watch for a hinder on the slider if you add the hook. 

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
Did  you add  the keeper screw with large washer,  into the shaft to retain the lever?
 I also added a small pull hook to avoid pulling on the lever.  Watch for a hinder on the slider if you add the hook.
Brad has shipped the replacement parts yesterday and i will see what comes in the box for install.  It appears that the handle post inside the cover plate is somehow " welded" or secured in some way to NOT break off... we will see.. but our original door handle has lasted 34 years so another 34 is okay too..

I would love to secure this post to the hardware inside more securely and better quality than OEM...
1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #14 –
I'm with you.. it comes down to either they don't know or don't want to help.

I posted my topic on the abs and the rotor and I had to bump my own topic.. no one replied so I gave up and will go at it alone.. I'm not skeered ..

3D printing is an option for everything..

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #15 –
I'm sorry to see that members sometimes feel left out. When I joined this forum, there were many more owners of the '80's GVs, but over the years that has changed. Still, there are a lot of us 1st Generation GV owners on here. I have almost always had quick replies to questions, but in those few instances of silence, it has been that the other members just haven't had to deal with the topic of my distress. Understandable.... no one wants to speak out and look the fool.
  As for "Home remedy" fixes, few of us have handy-dandy 3D printers lying about the house. However, there IS a Rube Goldberg style fix-all trick. Go onto Youtube and search "Baking soda and Super Glue (or Cyanoacrylate)". You'll be surprised at what you can do with the combination. Strong as all Heck, too.

Route 66_End to End....someday

  1986 36' Grand Villa
    2015 Jeep Patriot
        K1SLD Steve
        K9NIK Nikki

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #16 –
OK Guys here is the scoop.  The Latch is a 030-0300 Trimark Entrance Door Hardware Set.  You can reach them at www.trimarkcorp.com or call at 641-394-3188, they are in New Hampton Iowa.
1988  40' Grand Villa Cat 3208t

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #17 –
Many of the old GVs are fading fast. As are the owners.  I have been all over mine and love it;s simplicity.    I have found many good answers here and tried to pass on what I have learned. 
      It's frustrating to try and give guidance and never hear what works out . 
 I am a poor wordsmith and have a low tolerance  for time wasting. Thus my answers are short and direct. Sorry.
 

Re: Need occasional help with 1986 GV

Reply #18 –
Quote from: NancyS –
OK Guys here is the scoop.  The Latch is a 030-0300 Trimark Entrance Door Hardware Set.  You can reach them at www.trimarkcorp.com or call at 641-394-3188, they are in New Hampton Iowa.
We ordered the interior door cover plate with the door handle attached from Foretravel.  Should receive in a couple of days

With FT parts help they were able to with using the interior mechanism parts in the shop find the place for the parts to line up and open the latch.  Didn't seem logical to anyone and design seems to be a mess.  But this was OEM 34 years of use when handle broke so I gave got 34 more years for this new part
1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman